Argentina to face Switzerland in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal clash: Full match preview
Match details and kickoff time
Kickoff is set for 9:00 pm ET, which is 1:00 am GMT on Sunday. For fans in Pakistan, that translates to 6:00 am PKT on Sunday, July 12.
Argentina survived two knockout scares to reach this stage, winning 3-2 in extra time against Cape Verde and coming back from a two-goal deficit against Egypt, which it led until the 78th minute.
Switzerland, meanwhile, breezed past Algeria before grinding out a penalty shootout win over Colombia, reaching just their fourth World Cup quarterfinal in history.
For more updates on FIFA World Cup 2026: click here
Team news
Argentina has no unavailable players heading into the match. Switzerland's top scorer, Johan Manzambi, is a doubt with a knee issue, while Michel Aebischer and Luca Jaquez are both already out injured.
Predicted lineups
Argentina is expected to stick with the setup that has powered two dramatic comebacks, built around giving Lionel Messi freedom to roam, with De Paul, Mac Allister, and Fernandez providing defensive cover and Lautaro Martinez leading the line.
Switzerland is likely to line up in a disciplined defensive block, with Gregor Kobel in goal after his penalty save proved decisive against Colombia, and Breel Embolo and Ruben Vargas leading the attacking threat in Manzambi's absence.
Also Read: Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup
Prediction
Messi leads the tournament's Golden Boot race with eight goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on seven each. Switzerland has never beaten Argentina in seven all-time meetings, with five Argentina wins and two draws, including a 2-0 win in the 1966 group stage and a 1-0 extra-time win in the 2014 round of 16. Expect Argentina to eventually find a way through, setting up a semifinal against Norway or England.
